Po River Observatory: drought worsens, alert level rises to ‘high’, northern regions in difficulty
The water stress level in the river basin has risen from ‘medium’ to ‘high’. Over a hundred municipalities across Lombardy and Piedmont are experiencing difficulties with their water supply, and in several of them water tankers are already being used
The alarm has been raised over the River Po. The drought situation continues to worsen and the water stress level has been raised from ‘medium’ to ‘high’. The decision was taken unanimously by the Permanent Observatory on Water Use, coordinated by the Po River Basin Authority, during a meeting held yesterday. The next meeting is scheduled for 6 August.
The situation is currently critical across the entire Po Valley, particularly with regard to drinking water supplies, and there are already over a hundred municipalities in Piedmont and Lombardy facing supply difficulties. Several of these have been using water tankers and tanker lorries for days to replenish the water supply reservoirs and ensure the service for residents.
A worsening situation
According to Alessandro Delpiano, Secretary-General of the Po River Basin Authority, ‘the situation has worsened. Let us not delude ourselves that summer downpours can be the solution to deep-rooted problems. Compared with ten days ago, despite the rainfall, we actually have less water in the lakes and less water in the rivers, whilst irrigation needs remain significant for various crops, starting with rice.”
In addition, in the coming days, according to the Observatory, due to the reduction in river and tributary flows, a resumption of saltwater intrusion in the Po Delta is also expected, which may affect the Ponte Molo water treatment plant, in the Taglio di Po area, in the province of Rovigo.
Heatwave and drought
The northern regions are therefore facing a very difficult situation, and the arrival of the fourth heatwave of the year – which is bringing extreme temperatures across the entire peninsula – further reduces the chances of the crisis being resolved any time soon.
